The “CAGED” System
The “CAGED” System- Unlocked
C-A-G-E-D – Open Forms
The following neck diagrams illustrate these five forms in their respective root, or open position.
Applying The “CAGED”System
If each open chord shape is taken as a starting point, for example the chord “C major” then by following the CAGED system of shapes C major can be found all along the entire fret board. The next “C major” chord will take the “A” shape, and so the next C major chord along the fret board will take the “G” shape etc.The following neck diagrams details each “C major” chord taking on the next chord shape utilising the CAGED system – these are indicated by the black markers – the other notes indicated by the yellow markers are the surrounding or outlying notes of the C major scale. The red markers indicate the “Root Notes” in this case “C”.
By starting with the “C” shape and moving along the fret board using the different shapes of the CAGED system, right through to the “D” shape – C major can be played along the entire fret board before repeating all over again.
The following diagram details the complete C Major scale-utilising the CAGED system. Starting with the “C” form through to the “D” form, outlining the chord shapes that make up the CAGED system along the fret board.
As can be seen by comparing each shape, the CAGED system is a repeated set of formations that continue along the fret board regardless of the starting point. The only thing that changes is the position of the root note, and the shape that corresponds to this.
This system can be applied to all scales placing manageable 4 fret blocks along the complete fret board. That are associated with each chord shape in that position. This is useful in unveiling the logic of the guitar fret board.
Every pattern and sequence of intervals and notes are repeated along and across the fret board.
The CAGED system can be applied to all scales and arpeggios along the guitar fret board – the CAGED system can ensure that when playing only the strongest notes are targeted – taking the guess work out of playing.
If you would like to find out more about how the CAGED system can fast track and expand your your playing ability, and knowledge, or you would like to make inquiries about one-on-one individually tailored lessons and instruction. Please fill out a contact form on our “Contact Page” and we will reply immediately and answer any questions you may have
C major chord shapes along the fret board
The next diagram details starting from different roots- the first C produces all C major chords following the CAGED sequence. The next diagram starts with an A root and the first open chord is A major using the “A shape – follow this diagram carefully and the next shape here is “G” so the next chord is A major – using the “G shape”. The next diagram starts with G major using the “G shape”, and followed by the “E shape” – G major chord. The next diagram then shows the E major chord using the “E shape, using the CAGED system the next E major chord along the fret board is made using the “D shape”. Finally the last diagram starts with D major using the “D shape”, this then is followed by the “C shape – D major chord.The important thing to note here is that there are two shapes that are formed using 6th string roots – E and G shapes, There are also two shapes that are formed using 5th string roots – C and A shapes, and finally one shape that uses 4th string roots – the D shape. It is also important to note that it is the root note that gives the chord is name – that is if using a “C shape” and the root is taken from the 5th fret on the 5th string, then this note is “D” the resulting chord is D major.This system can be applied to all derivatives of every basic chord, both major and minor, it can also be applied to scales that are formed around each shape.
using the CAGED system provides an easily recognisable reference point for all chords, scales, and arpeggios, if this system is combined with a basic knowledge of chord harmony, and a knowledge of the notes along the guitar fret board. The CAGED system can unlock and expand your knowledge of the entire guitar fret board, giving an all visual approach to understanding the logic of the fret board.
Understanding the CAGED system will mean that all the guess work is removed when playing solos, improvising over chord changes, and complimenting what other musicians are playing. The CAGED system also serves as a tool for developing creative ideas, applying the CAGED system does not mean that you need to play complete and entire chords, partial chords along with scale tones, and melody notes, will provide endless material, and harmonic ideas that will very quickly expand your playing.
The CAGED system is what many of the professionals use when creating melodic and song structuring ideas.
The “CAGED” System- Template
If you would like to find out more about how the CAGED system can fast track and expand your your playing ability, and knowledge, or you would like to make inquiries about one-on-one individually tailored lessons and instruction. Please fill out a contact form on our “Contact Page” and we will reply immediately and answer any questions you may have